001One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. Big Lake Schools CAP program overview. >> Welcome back. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. I'm Bri Hawkins and this is Hannah Hermanson and we are excited to be presenting for the second time on our CAP work we have been working on as a music department. Next slide please. Our CAP team is made up of our eight music teachers from across all our buildings with Minda serving as our administrative uh representative. In this process we are able to collaborate with Purpilit facilitate the strategic process you will see today. Next slide. >> The comprehensive arts planning program is a statewide initiative that provides assistance to districts as they plan and implement comprehensive arts programs. This is based on the core belief that the arts
002are an essential component of education. We applied for the CAT program to reflect our commitment to providing an excellent music music education for all Big Lake students. Next slide. This year, our team has worked to design a district-wide three-year strategic plan. Implementation and execution of the goals will take place beginning next year and continuing through 2029. Throughout each stage of this cycle, the team will consistently evaluate progress to ensure the plan effectively meets the evolving needs of our students. Right now, we are in the process of finalizing our three-year strategic plan to submit to Perpich at the end of this school year. Next slide. In Big Lake, excellent is excellence isn't just our goal. It is our identity. This strategic roadmap ensures our music program reflects that standard in every building for every student. To
003move from being a good program to a premier one, we have to look past the day-to-day and commit to a long-term vision. Our mission is to challenge, educate, and inspire every student to reach their highest level of achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts. Tonight, we are presenting four strategic directions that serve as our roadmap for doing exactly that. Our four strategic directions include aligning and unifying our instructional offerings, cultivating a musical community, enhancing our foundations to support musical excellence, and advocating and connecting to support our students, staff, and programming. That was fine. Perfect. We begin with our first strategic direction, aligning and unifying our instructional instructional offerings. We are moving toward a unified K12 department focused first on inclusive and equitable access ensuring that every student regardless of ability, building or schedule has a
004clear, highquality pathway to musical mastery. And as we look at our current landscape, specialized adaptive music offerings are limited to only students in grades K through five. This means that for our students with the most diverse learning needs, the specialized pathway to musical mastery currently reaches a cliff when they leave elementary school. Part of our strategic vision is to evaluate this vertical alignment of these programs. How do we ensure that a student's potential in Big Lake is defined by their own aspirations and work ethic rather than by their physical or learning barriers to ensure that every Hornet has a clear path to the stage? And this leads us directly into instructional innovation. We are currently exploring how to refine our structures to better support our secondary students, such as evaluating creative scheduling options and enhanced
005instructional models. We are investigating ways to integrate individualized instruction into the school day and exploring pathways for middle school students to participate in both band and choir. As we look at the evolving landscape of our surrounding districts, we are committed to ensuring big big lake remains at the forefront. And at the same time, our standards of excellence ensures a vertically aligned curriculum. And this means a fifth grader is learning the exact foundational skills they need to excel in secondary ensembles. How does a unified curriculum create a sense of belonging that ensures a student remains engaged and driven in the musical arts for their entire 13-year journey? Next slide. Moving into strategic direction number two, we are focused on cultivating a musical community. This is about moving beyond the idea of music as just another class
006period or a credit on a transcript. In Big Lake, we want the musical arts to be part of our DNA, a cornerstone of what it means to be a Hornet. We're working toward a culture where you don't just take music, you live it, and where our program is a point of pride that the whole community carries with them. That mission starts with creating datainformed connections. We have to ask ourselves, how can we bridge the gap between our classrooms and the living rooms of our families to create a more personal connection to the musical arts? By launching K through2 surveys to understand the specific musical traditions and backgrounds of our Big Lake families, we can tailor our curriculum to resonate with our community's unique makeup. When students see their own heritage reflected in the music they
007study, we see a direct impact on engagement and long-term retention. Beyond the data, we are focused on advocacy and visibility. We want our Big Lake music programming to be celebrated far beyond the classroom. Through these community bridges, we are hopeful our students won't just remember the music they played, but the community that believed in them. When our neighbors see our students performing in the community, do they recognize the Hornet Way, the respect, responsibility, fairness, kindness, and honesty shining through their work. By building these bridges, we ensure that being a musician in Big Lake is synonymous with being a leader. Next slide. Next, we have strategic direction number three, supporting musical excellence. And this part of the plan is really about the foundation, making sure the physical tools and the curriculum we use every day are
008up to the task of supporting our students. And to get those exceptional results, we must provide high quality environments. We are optimizing our environments and assets by properly maintaining our auditoriums and classrooms. Simply put, we want our spaces to match the high quality of our performances. And we realize there is a cost to this and we hope to work with the district to come up with creative solutions. At the same time, we are evaluating curricular and community impact by reviewing our music libraries to ensure they are educational educationally rigorous and culturally relevant. When we pair highc caliber music with well-maintained facilities, our performances begin to serve as a front porch for the district, welcoming our community in to witness a tangible return on their investment and ensuring that the first impression of Big Lake schools
009is always one of excellence. Next slide. This last strategic direction of advocating and connecting to support student, staff, and programming represents our vision for the systems that will keep our mission of excellence alive and thriving. We aim to prioritize operational transparency and stewardship by formalizing the partnership between our music teachers and building leaders. Our goal is to ensure our musical goals align with buildingwide priorities. How can we work together to make the business side of our music program as fine-tuned and transparent as the performances we see on stage? We also aspire to expand our reach through community and family partnerships by exploring the launch of a K of a district-wide K- through2 music booster club to share our students journey with the public. We would like to elevate our digital presence through a direct pipeline
010with our communications team, ensuring our community sees student success in real time. Finally, we hope to commit further to professional growth. A fantastic immediate opportunity for this is happening this summer on August 11th. Perpich is offering free professional development to our entire Big Lake music staff. This session is specifically designed to help us build a comprehensive K- through2 scope and sequence, ensuring our teachers remain the best in state. How do we leverage this professional excellence to build a culture of advocacy so strong that our music program becomes the heartbeat of our Big Lake community? Together, we aren't just building a music program. We are building a musical community. Let's continue to set the tempo for excellence and show the world what it looks like when Big Lake Schools hits its highest note. Our students are
011ready to take the stage and with this road map, we are ready to support them every step of the way. Next slide. As we look towards the future, we'd like to share a few ways that you as the school board can continue to support our K12 music program. First, we ask that you continue to advocate for robust music programming across all grade levels. Your voice ensures that a strong musical foundation is a guarantee for every student in our district. And beyond the boardroom, we'd love to have you join us at our concerts and musicals. And in in this academic year alone, there are still opportunities to witness at least one performance in every building. And seeing you in the audience means the world to our students. And by standing with us in these ways, you
012aren't just supporting a department. You are fueling the roadmap of our strategic directions to best support our students. Next slide. So, thank you so much. And what questions do you have for us? I heard you mention booster club. I'd like you to tell me a little bit more about that. >> Do you have do you already have the plans in place for that or is that just something that's starting up? >> Yeah, we are very much in the brainstorming phase of that for sure. So, our next step would definitely be looking into the logistical side of what does it take to make something like that happen. Um, but I know that we're really interested in building that support for our students K through 12. >> So, what is the what are what the outcomes that
013you're hoping for through the booster? Yeah. So, the outcomes would be hopefully some um financial assistance. So, for things that we would like to help with supporting our students um and also to build that community and that community bridge between families, the community and our students for sure. >> Thank you for the music again. >> Okay. Next we have approve alternative to football jersey for youth night. All right. Hello everyone. My name is Nick Shrivever. I'm the varsity head football coach here at Big Lake High School as well as a uh a high school English teacher um just down the road here. Uh today we're going to propose some black alternate uniforms. I'm going to let our student leaders uh make that proposal to you. Now, both of these guys are former Excel English students
014of mine. So, uh very high expectations for these guys. [laughter] Here you go. >> I'm flattered about that, but I don't know if they should be that high. Uh, good evening. Good evening everyone. I'm a current junior at Big Lake High School. I also am a part of the Big Lake High School football team and I'm a part of our leadership council. And our council is tasked with more than just football. We study leadership, organize volunteer opportunities, and make decisions regarding our equipment and team culture. This includes organizing volunteer and community service pro projects such as packing meals at Feed My Starving Children to reading and discussing books about team culture and leadership. This spring we are reading the energy bus by John Gordon. Our vision is to continue to work towards building a football
015program that our big lake community stu community students and alumni can all take pride in. We are here tonight to propose the addition of an alternate black jersey for our upcoming youth night on September 3rd against de la and is also our opening game. Youth night is a cornerstone tradition for Big Lake where we bridge the gap between our current varsity roster and the future of our program. Our design features a black jersey with gold lettering and blue accents. I think the blue is on the shoulder area. >> This specific color scene was chosen to mirror our youth association's uniform. By wearing these, we aren't just wearing a different color. We are showing every young athlete in the stands that we are one united or unified program. We will pair these with our traditional gold
016helmets and blue pants to ensure that Hornet pride remains the focal point on the field. Good evening everyone. Uh my name is Bennett Tiki and I'm also a part of the leadership council for the football team. Um I'm a sophomore at Big Lake High School and I've been a part of the Big Lake football program for over six years. Um our high school program shares a deep bond with Big Lake Youth Football and many of us actually started a long time ago. We still remember the impact of the varsity players had on us. And now that we've stepped into those shoes, whether we are leading drills at summer camps or coaching teams in youth seven on seven league, we recognize that we are role models. By aligning our look with theirs for this game, we
017can create a lasting visual memory for those kids. We want them to look at us and see their own future. Our goal is to inspire them to stay in the sport, remain in the Big Lake District, and eventually take our places as leaders in the community. Football and family are very closely connected for me. Uh both of my older brothers played for the Big Lake team and I've grew up watching many many games and I always looked up to every player on the field. Speaking as someone who is pretty fairly recently a youth player, I can tell you that seeing the big kids wear jerseys that would be similar to ours would be like the coolest thing ever. It builds a sense of belonging that keeps kids excited about their school and their sports. And
018these jerseys are a lot more than just an alternate uniform. They're a tool for recruitment, retention, and program pride. We want to continue building a legacy here at Big Lake that starts with flag football in kindergarten and carries through our high school graduation. Thank you for your time and for your continued support of Big Lake Athletics. >> Thank you. >> Question. Can you just clarify the funding source for these jerseys? >> Uh, this funding would come from our booster club, so our own players fundraising for these jerseys. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Okay, any other questions? >> I love the colors and that they resonate with the youth. I the youth have had black for as long as I can remember. So, I'll make a motion to approve the um the black jersey. >> Motion
019made by Sixberry. I'll second the motion. Any other discussion? All in favor? I >> I oppose. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh Big Lake Robotics season review. >> You like this one? Hello everyone. I am Ben Lauderba. I am the head coach of the Big Lake robotics team. Um, tonight we want to recap our season and part of our program is teaching the students how to manage this team like it is a business. So I'm actually going to turn over this presentation to them. >> Hello everybody. I am Claire or Claire and I am the current safety captain of the team. This is my fourth year running and I will explain a bit out about FIRST. First Robotics is a major or well it's a worldleading group of um robotics uh competitions
020that happen over in 66 countries leading from Africa, Asia into the United States where worlds happens. It is it happens from fifth grade up and or no it happens from first grade up until 12th grade and there are three separate leagues. There's first Lego League which is the younger students and then first tech challenge which is the middle group and then what we compete in is first or F FRC which you can see our robot it's not very legoy or has any VEX parts about it and we typically go from uh the age of 14 which is seventh grade into our current 12th grade and the teams are larger robots are larger and pieces can get destroyed on field. Uh, next slide. So, we are 18 students. We um compete or our grade grade level
021goes from 7th and 12th grade. And we went to two competitions this year. Uh, Great Northern Regional that was in Grand Forks, North Dakota and um Granite City which was in St. Cloud. All right. So, this will be [music] >> So, if you lonely, you know I'm here [music] waiting for you. I'm just a cross. I'm just a shot [music] away from you. And if you leave here, you leave me broken. I'm just a cross. [music] I'm just [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> I say don't you say [music] you I say I say you don't [music] I say Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] ME. [music] I want you to take [music] me out. >> All right, I will be turning the uh presentation over to our media captain now. >> Hello
022everybody. I'm Saur Shabillian. This is my second year on Big Lake robotics team. I am the media captain and I'm going to be talking to you guys about community impact and what our business side of the team does. So this is at the Big Lake Community Fair sponsored by the Chamber of Conference and hosted by Big League High School. It welcomes hundreds of pe people each year. We have our own booth. We talk about our team, what we do, and how we give back to our community. There's some of our pictures. We have our potato mascot. We have games to play and we give out our merchandise. Also sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the showcases that that showcases local companies and programs. Families get to drive Tater Tot, our small outreach pot and learn
023more about the team. Tater Tot is a smaller scale kind of robot like that doesn't shoot, but it still drives around. It has a drive base and you can move it around with a little joystick. You back, forth, side to side and allows little kids to like feel what driving a robot would be like up field. Every year we participate in the Spudfest parade and we get to showcase our program while using a customuilt robot that launches candy and bags of potato chips into the audience with more information about how the program and how to join the program and what it does and how you can be in it. That STEM night uh it's hosted by big big lake schools. It showcases their STEM programs offered. Over a thousand people attend. Kids get to drive
024the tater robot again and they get stickers or plush potatoes. Again, our merchandise. This year we won the first imagery award. This award recognizes attractiveness in mechanics and engineering as well as having consistent visuals and branding as well as an overall team appearance. Capital investments. So right here on our first section, we have our Bamboo Labs A1 and X1 Carbon. They can quickly print prototypes, custom parts, fidgets for giveaways, and tools. Uh they're some 3D printers, but we use them a lot and that's why they are very important to us. Our cameras are used to film our robot recap videos, which we post on YouTube, our we do our competition videos, which we also post on YouTube, and other events like Spudfest or SPT stem. And then our swerve drive base, which is on the
025robot right now. It gives a more advanced drives train to us uh for a more competitive advantage over tank drive which allows us to move in different directions diagonally or whatever opposed to the tank drive system which can only move forward backward. >> Hello. Uh I am Daniel Shabellian. This is my fourth year on the team and I am the fabrication build captain. Something like that. [laughter] Anyway, um each year or at least the last two years, we have um done kind of a split system on our team. We have the more experienced and the older students work on the uh full competition robot that you see in front of you right now. Uh this robot is what we actually go and compete in. And then our, you know, um freshman and our, you know,
026first year students and people that might not be as experienced work on our kitbot, which I don't know if we have any pictures. Is there a picture or no? >> Yeah, there we go. Um, the kit bot is used to train new members of the team and it's a pre-esigned robot that um first provides that it's a kit so students can learn how to use tools, learn how to build it and overall just learn the ropes. Um, yeah, it allows people to learn about each part and how it works and it gives them, you know, a place to get their, you know, get their dip their toes in without having um, you know, the stresses or the cost. um of the bigger robot and we showcase the kitbot at STEM night. Oftentimes we allow other
027people to drive that as well. As more and more people join our robotics team and as our tech improves, we are quickly outgrowing our workspace and we'd like to work with the school to obtain more space to practice and assemble our robot. I want to touch on practice because our robot and our game fields are quite large and having that open space to actually move the robot around and play on a field is super critical for both drive practice as well as programming and tuning the robot. Our sponsors are super critical to our success. Thank you Big Lake Schools and all of our sponsors that help make this program possible. >> Again, I just want to reflect and say absolutely thank you. This program wouldn't be possible with the support without the support of the
028school and the local community. And you know I normally we would like to do a presentation or demonstration of the robot but again because this thing shoots balls out and it actually uses an advanced camera system to shoot directly into what they call the hub it wouldn't work too well and we don't want to knock any ceiling tiles out. So, but we'd be happy to well, we'd be happy to talk about it anytime you'd like to hear. Thank you so much everybody. >> Thank you. >> So, I just want to say one thing quick. So, I I have had the I've had the honor I've had the honor of being able to attend some of these competitions, and I just want to say what a great job this group of students led by the um
029coaches do in representing Big Lake schools and our Big Lake community. Um it kind of touched in the video the pits where people go back and they go from booth to booth and they check out and they see what other teams are like. Um and our students are always incredibly gracious and excited to talk to new people. they're excited and and um willing to talk about their robot or their design even when it's super stressful and they're trying to fix something. Um they they stop and they ask answer people's questions. So um I just think that's a wonderful reflection of the skills and um leadership that we're putting into the students in Big Lake here and they just do a great job representing us. >> Thank you. >> Anybody have any questions for us? How
030do you just do you decide to do something different each year >> to do a different model? I'm gonna use the word model. I don't know. >> Do you want to >> So every year the uh or first comes out with a name for it. Okay. >> Uh for the game, but we don't know it until around early no uh early January. >> And then on that day it gets released and we see the entire game as well. Well, it comes with an entire new set of rules for us, okay, >> that we have to go over. >> So, last year, our robot was very tall because it had to place uh uh PVC pipes known as coral onto different racks. Okay. >> And then this year is a lot more different because you shoot
031balls into a funnel. >> Do you like that that it changes? >> It is very fun. It also gets a there's a lot uh versatility and you don't know what to expect. >> Okay. >> Besides like just the theme of the game. >> So, >> any other questions? >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. I wonder if someone came up. Do we have anyone for open forum? Okay, we'll move past open forum and move on to the consent agenda. The previous minutes from the March 25th regular board meeting and the April 8th work session, claims and accounts in the amount of 1,27,6940, the credit card report, the personnel report, and the final reading and approval of the policies listed along with approve the 2627 transportation contract addendum. Moved by Brown. >> Second by Shabilian.
032Any other discussion? All in favor? >> I oppose. The motion carries. On to donations. >> I'll make a motion to approve the donations. >> Motion made by Shilian. >> I think Brown. >> Yes. >> Okay. Second by Brown. >> Any other discussions? All in favor? >> I oppose. Motion carries. Uh financial report. Angie, very brief financial report this evening. I'm just going to go over enrollment. We didn't have any budget revisions, but again, we have some more good news on enrollment. Um we had another increase from month overmonth and you can see I think it's the orange bars above the yellow bar. Um and the growth this month seemed to be in the elementary um both at Liberty and Indep Liberty and Independence. So um so again good news with enrollment and we hopefully that
033growth continues and on into next year as well. So I do not have anything else but unless I'd be happy to entertain any questions if anybody has any. remember how much it went up? How many? >> Oh boy. And I didn't bring that with me. Was it like 14? Okay. Yeah, that sounds about right. Yeah. >> Uh on to the lake administrators association contract approval. >> Uh yes, Madam Chair, members of the board. I know Tanya and Chelsea uh and Sue kind of took the lead on this. So, I'm not sure if you want to provide any commentary. I know that it was uh um cordial back and forth and ended within board parameters and um it's recommended for approval this evening. >> I'll make a motion to approve the administrative agreement between Independent School
034District 727 and the Big Lake Administrators Association. >> Second motion made by any other discussion? All in favor? >> I post motion carries. A resolution for non-renewal of teaching contracts. [clears throat] >> Uh yes, Madam Chair, members of the board, uh similar to last month, we do have some additional non-renewals for some teaching contracts listed below. Um as I mentioned before, some have to do with um uh not being licensed in certain areas and others have to do with other reasons, but um at this point, I would recommend approval uh of this nonrenewal list. >> I'll make a motion to approve the >> motion made by Shabilian. Second by Brown. Any other questions? Resolution. Okay. Roll call vote. We'll start now with Sixberry. >> I. >> Hancock. >> Hi. >> Rezner. I. Shabilian. >> Hi.
035>> Brown. >> Hi. >> The motion carries. Uh teacher unrequested leave of absence. >> Uh yes, Madam Chair, members of the board. Uh similar to um we are releasing a few teachers here, but what makes this a non um actually a uh unrequested leave of absence? These are teachers that are currently in continuing contract. And just a reminder to the board, um these reductions for these two positions, uh these individuals will be placed on unrequested leave. Uh they do have the option to come back within five years um in a into a licensed area um uh that they have that they possess. And um they would have to do call backs every spring just to see if there's a position available to them. And then they would have a right to that position. And because
036they are placed on this leave, it is a fiveyear duration. There is actually two resolutions placed in here that we have to do separate uh one for each individual. >> So you want us to do >> make a motion and then do a resolution >> for approval of Yes. >> Okay. >> Please >> do like personal in person because we can't we can't see. Yes. Okay. >> Yes. Okay. Um, I will make a motion to um re Megan Prince on unrequested leave of absence. Second by Brown. Any other discussion? Uh this is a roll call vote. Six. We'll start with you since Dererick wasn't here for a bit. Sixberry. >> Hi. >> Hancock. >> Hi. >> Rezner. >> I >> Brown. >> Hi. >> The motion car or the resolution passes. Okay. Now we have
037a second resolution. Does anyone want to make a motion for this one? >> Motion made by Brown, second by uh Sixberry. Any other discussion? Okay, this is a roll call vote. Nelson, >> hi. >> Sixberry, >> hi. >> Uh, Hancock, >> hi. >> Rezner I, >> Shabilian, >> hi. >> And Brown, >> this resolution passes, too. Okay. On to K5 social studies curriculum adoption presentation. Good evening board. We will be here in both April and May talking about social studies and math. And tonight we're going to bring to you a recommendation for a K5 adoption for social studies for Big Lake schools. So, as you know, Minnesota is a local control state. And so with that, we go out and look for curriculum and we don't have one that's mandated by the state. And so
038we go through the process to make sure that our curriculum decisions reflect that of our board and our community. So it aligns with our strategic plan. So making sure that we have a rigorous evidence-based uh curriculum engaging all students and developing the critical civic skills that we would expect for our students. It also follows our big light curriculum review process which you are all very familiar with right now. And so um but I do want to call your attention to social studies is in the adoption cycle for this year. Math would have been next year but as we've talked about for the past four years we understand that we needed math um earlier than that. That was on our needs assessment and so we moved that up a year. These are the members of our
039K5 social studies committee. Some of them are with me this evening. I do also want to call attention to our social studies committee members. Started out as math committee members and worked through the new learnings of the math pedagogy change. And then in January they flipped over to social studies. also had to learn the new instructional strategies of social studies and review social studies curriculum. So these people have really done double duty um to learn about the best curriculum that we can have for our students. So the adoption cycle for social studies, we did do our research and design. We gathered our data. We analyzed our needs. our social studies curriculum in K5 was very very outdated and so keeping what we had wasn't even a a an option for us and so then we
040went into that reviewing of materials and looking for the materials that would align with our standards. We're now bringing it to the board for approval and then this fall we will go into implementation for the shifts in the 2021 social studies standards as compared to the 2011 social studies standards. Um and I think you're all getting to understand that just because it's called the 2021 it will be implemented in 2026. That's the great timeline of MDE. Um so it really centers on student inquiry which we're going to see in a minute. the whole um instructional shift. It also emphasizes that disciplinary literacy. We've talked a lot about the read act about literacy goals and so we want a curriculum that really blends that literacy with the social studies standards. Also K8 is changing to go
041into fully interdisciplinary. So they used to have lead disciplines in each grade whereas now those anchor standards are seen throughout K8 and they'll just have topics. these uh version of the standards also adds ethnic studies strand throughout the grade levels. So just want to bring your attention again to 100% of the curriculums that we were looking for. We were looking for that literacy alignment to build knowledge because we do know that one of the foundational literacy strands is that knowledge building. And so our CKLA and ELA also builds knowledge, but we were looking for social studies curriculum that would do that as well. The C3 framework, so this is what we talked about with that new instructional practices. And so C3 framework really centers around inquiry, making sure that we're developing questions, sparking students curiosity,
042applying those those disciplinary skills from history and geography. We're also evaluating our evidence and primary and secondary sources are very important to this and then also asking students to take action and have their informed decisions that they could see throughout their community. And with that, I will turn this over to our teachers to tell you what we've selected. Hi, my name is Kaylee Richmond. I am a kindergarten teacher at Liberty. Um, so what we really liked about this curriculum is that it had direct alignment with the state benchmarks. So, we really made sure to look at all of our options that we had and this one really did do all the aligning that we needed. Um, it's interactive. It's tactile weekly newspapers. So, we also liked for our K3 like how like interactive it is
043and with our timing of how much we're allotted to social studies, it's a quick engagement and like gets right to the point and it's al also scaffolded for emergent readers. So, we also like that as well. Thank you. >> Hi, I'm Madison Wallace. I'm a first grade teacher. Um, we chose Studies Weekly. We felt it was developmentally appropriate, engaging for our students. Um, lots of enrichment opportunities, interviews, virtual field trips, and then that literacy extension. Um, they can be sent home each week for families to share and read over with their student. Supports current standards, um, diverse learners, and then it is inquiry based. each um you or each magazine or newspaper has a one question that you're kind of working towards throughout that that whole magazine. >> Hi, I'm Karen Priest. I am a
044fifth grade social studies and language arts teacher at Independence. Um we as fourth and fifth grade teachers chose to go with the teacher created materials which is a curriculum that's that is created here in Minnesota. So it really aligns well with our Minnesota state standards. Um we felt that this was a better bridge between um elementary 8 to middle school so they have that that easier transition into middle school. Um they we have incurric kits with this curriculum which we really like that gives us those artifacts, those maps um different things that the kids can analyze um with India and our STEM strategies. It work it works really well with their critical thinking and continue to allow us to um use those um inquiry and research based questions with their with our students. And it
045gives us the flexibility with differentiation from lower lower students that need a little bit of extra boost to um challenging our our higher flyers. >> Hi, I'm Samantha Kroll. I teach fourth grade over at Independence. I am self-contained, so I teach all of the core subjects. Uh for this one, we chose the TCM just uh they aligned with all of those state standards, especially going into that disciplinary model of having the ethnic studies there as well. We were really searching for what do you have in that area and they were able to answer all those questions. Um online platform was very uh user friendly, not only for us um as teachers, but also for family and students being able to share. It wasn't going home and having mom I forgot my email again and trying
046to get in. there was something where it was easy to be able to share so that everybody has access curricular and going down into the CKLA topics. Um reading is a beast and it's a lot to teach and so having a curriculum that really pairs well with it um it goes into the primary sources. It talks about that for each um unit, the enrichment opportunities and such. And that was something that we were able to get clarification on of TCM is someone that said yes, we would sit down with you and be able to create a pacing guide that would work with what time you have. Um and especially with the flexibility going fourth and then into fifth and then even more so um and beyond talking about what can we do for our students
047be able to not only accommodate their needs now but then looking into the future um those CKLA topics and what they had available for our units just paired really well with one another um assessment and STEM integration uh PBLS or project based learning um assessments at the end that was something that we really like. we have and we have the STEM lab and we would love to be able to talk to our STEM integrationists of saying hey here's what we have what could we do with this to go even beyond um being able to use all of those STEM kits and the uh KA planks and all of that and how are we able to kind of integrate all of that um into you know give students something and they go in and they say
048hey this is great and it's like yeah you're learning but they don't really know all the time but they but they're there and so being able to kind of give them that project opportunity stem uh stem integration. We have a number of them that we are able to integrate in. There's graffiti boards, give one get one. Um, diads are commonly known. Um, purposeful grouping and such. The 4C's, not to be confused with 3C. Uh, we have critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and then also creativity as well. Um, this is just something that kind of covers all of those bases and gives us also some say in we have this much time. So, instead of trying to feel like we're trying to just get through it, it's something where we definitely want that quality over quantity. So,
049this was just something that we thought that would work really well with our upper elementary. >> All right. So, I also want to point out since we are doing um K12 social studies and K12 math, that was a lot. And so, I kind of asked for some additional help. So, Casey Young, our assistant principal at Liberty, was the one that helped us with our K5 adoption of social social studies. So, she really led this group to this process. And so um with that our final recommendation is adoption of studies weekly K3 and of TCM teacher created materials for five. I also need to come to the board and usually you will hear me say I come with a fiveyear six year something like that. Um being that we're still working on those other pieces. Um
050Angie and I are working very much on budgets and so I don't have that quite yet. So when I come back in May you'll hear more details and I'll have better numbers for you. But we do know that these are the curriculum resources that we are presenting to the board recommending recommending for adoption. >> I'll make a motion to approve studies weekly for K3 and teacher created materials for45 for social studies. >> Okay. Motion made by Shabilian. I'll second. Any other discussion? All in favor? >> I oppose. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh, approve updated 2627 school calendar. >> Okay. Uh, Madam Chair, members of the board, this was a last minute addition. Um but um [snorts] it was actually I think a good a good idea for the board to at least consider.
051Uh in the approved current approved calendar the first day of school is on a Tuesday. So they go to school on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. That butts right up to Labor Day. And what is being proposed instead is for the first day of school to be on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and then have Friday off so that everyone can have a longer Labor Day weekend which is similar to what our teachers have experienced during workshop week. It was one of those things that Kim and I and we look at this calendar no less than a thousand times and um all of a sudden this was brought up as an idea. It has been reviewed uh by Bllem as well as blah and uh they both are in favor of this change. It's relatively minor, but
052I do think that some families may actually prefer a longer Labor Day uh versus a longer week before Labor Day. So, if that makes sense, um I would recommend that we make this minor change. We would do our due diligence to communicate this out. Um, and again, what's currently approved is the start of school going Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, right up to Labor Day. >> So, September 1st, second, third, >> fourth. >> Correct. And what's being proposed is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday off for a long weekend around Labor Day. I would recommend approval, but of course only if the board is comfortable with that. >> Uh, I'll make the motion to approve. I think that's smart because I think otherwise you're going to have attendance issues anyways. So, >> what was the other There
053was something different though, right? >> this is all the same. It's just changing that first week >> just the first. >> So they start Monday instead of Tuesday and then they get >> around. >> Yeah. >> We approved we approved it Monday and now what's being proposed is to make that slight change. >> It's not like we're not going back. No, no, no, >> no. We're just we're shifting it to from instead of starting on Monday or instead of starting Tuesday, we're going to shift it to Monday. Correct. So they can have a 4-day weekend instead of a three-day weekend >> around Labor Day. >> I like that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Motion made by Sixberry. >> I'll second. >> Second by Shabilant. Any other discussion or questions? All in favor? >> I oppose. Motion
054carries. Uh we have the second reading of those policies listed. >> Yeah, madam chair, members of the board, uh we did not have policy committee meeting this week or this month. Uh so uh this is just the second reading and uh uh obviously at any point if you have questions and whatnot, you can bring those forward at that time at this time. >> Okay. Uh reschedule may work session. >> Yes. So madam chair, members of the board, we have some important topics to cover uh as it relates to some of our facilities and some of our long-term planning that way. Uh, I would propose that we we discuss those during our May work session. The issue is during the May 13th work session, we have some critical team members that are not going to be
055able to make it that evening. And I'm really hopeful that we can switch from May 13th and instead meet on May 6th. >> Great. There's one. >> I'm two. >> I'm good. >> I We'll have a quum. I heard four. I heard forum plus Amber said she could join >> Zoom. >> Okay. >> Maybe. >> What's the request? Is there any way >> I'm fighting ridiculous amount? >> Okay. >> Give you a little extra time that way. >> Okay. >> We I'm okay with that. Anybody else? >> We we will accept that part of [laughter] it. >> All right. >> Okay. So, uh, again, um, we're going to talk about everything from the track to some other facilities and some long-term planning. So, I think that would be an important piece for, uh, you to
056have on your radar. Great. So, we will go 6:30 on May 6th and we will post >> this. >> Um, I don't think we need to. Does it need to be voted on? >> We don't have to be. Okay. We're we're agreeing with it. So, >> we will change that May 6 at 6:30. >> And with any luck, we will perhaps make that into a special board meeting. Uh, and we will be approving the BLM contract as well. So hopefully we'll we'll I will keep tuned on that. But I my thought is we want to get that approved as soon as possible. I know BLM is working really hard to get that ratified and communicated out appropriately. So hopeful. So let's let's uh uh kind of know that that is a possibility that evening as
057well. So we'll do 6:30 on the 6th. >> Okay. All right. Thanks. Uh school board committee representative updates. Um finance. We met right before this beending itself. [laughter] >> Yeah. Uh policy committee. You said there wasn't one building on ground because we haven't had one. Any other meetings that have happened since last board meeting? >> Well, I attended the district curriculum advisory committee >> right before this. Uh, Miss Anderson did a great job. She always does a great job of engaging everyone in the room. Um, our teachers did a great job of explaining why they chose the materials that we voted on tonight. Um, I was also excited to see we had a couple new community members that joined us. So, um, I know Miss Anderson is working really hard to try and bring community
058in and and the principles are working to bring more community in. So, just wanted to recognize that. It's it's great to see um more voices in in the room. Um and then legislatively um we got about three and a half weeks left of the legislative session. Um all the committees are done. Um so now everything's in ways or me ways and means and the leadership are meeting. Um so the house didn't have an omnibus bill. So there's kind of individual bills going to be going to the floor for the house. The senate has an omnibus bill but there's kind of some uh leadership meetings happening trying to decide what's going to be on the final bill. So, unfortunately, there's not much to read as far as um what might make the cut and what might
059not. Um it's looking less and less like the repeal of the 250 million cut special education has a chance. Um there was a really powerful hearing with bipartisan support in um the House. Um but the companion companion bill in the Senate never got a hearing and it's not in their omnibus. So, um of course optimistic and hopeful but um reserved. Um, we I just kind of wanted to point out for the community that um our special education custody wrote a letter um to our legislators um encouraging support for this bill um in our fiscal year 24 which is the most recently available. Our special education crest subsidy was $2 million 912 $2,91,963. So that's fund those are services we are required to provide but we are not reimbursed for. So that comes out of our
060general education dollars. So just I just wanted to make sure I made a point of saying that that's why um you know I felt like it was really important to get the number and right on our behalf that this is really um important money for our district. Um and hopefully they will see a way to get that passed. Um there is a little bit more optimism for the permanent school cho uh permanent school fund. Um and that would hopefully double our per pupil. So it's currently around 68 um dollars per pupil we get on that and that would not have a tax impact to anyone in the state. Those are already funds that are building and growing. They're just not able to be dispersed um by the way the constitution is currently written. So, um,
061that has bipartisan support and it is on its way to the House for a vote and I think the Senate it's in, um, rules, so it's it's looking to go through. So, that would be that's kind of the that's the um that's the piece of optimism as far as more funding from the state this year is that if if we can get that and um and then there's a constitutional um amendment that has to happen on the ballot in November. So, we need community support for that as well. But um that's kind of your financial picture. as far as what I've been hearing. >> Yep. And I think the only other thing I would add is that there is a proposal and I'm not sure about the safety dollars. I'm not sure if you heard
062anything more about that today. >> Yeah. Did you maybe you heard something? >> I I have not I have not heard any additional um I just know that I am I I try to remain optimistic for that one because that would be really helpful for our dollars to uh per pupil in it. So we'll see. We'll see what that >> There's some infighting in the committee meeting I watched and so I'm not sure that it's going to make it through. Yeah, that's that's what makes it really challenging because people's versions of how safety should be handled different things like that. But um I do want to just draw attention. It's interesting. I brought this up at the principal meeting as well is that we talk about staff, formerly known as C and the reasons why
063uh um it's such an important group and how we're represented there because of the discrepancy uh between funding sources. But I want to draw your attention. And I know just recently Weisetta was able to pass a bond, a referendum for a $500 million um high school facility bond. Just to put it in perspective, their pool renovation costs more than what our bond referendum asked was. That's just their pool. >> How is it so much larger? Like >> Oh, it's it's an Olympic soul style. Yes. And it's got like a walking thing, I think. It's it's it's it's amazing. But if you take a look at how much the average home would have to pay on a $500,000, it's similar to what our families would have had to pay on a $30 million 500,000 500 million
064uh in in Weisetta versus a 30 million here. And that is because we don't have the industry offsetting the tax load. So our taxpayers have to carry more of that burden which is the reason why staff exists >> and that's a it's a really good example of that. So I would ask people to just kind of stay tuned to that because I know we have SAF coming up on Friday. >> Yep. >> We do and and there's um you know they this year was anformational year. There's kind of a new idea for a different way of funding equalization that the groundwork was being laid this year. So, next year in the financial the fiscal year, we're hoping to get some traction and hopefully make some improvements in um the equalization aid that we would receive
065in >> because that just truly just does not seem fair. >> It does not seem fair. If I could just be blunt, >> correct? >> Any other committees? >> Yeah, I was going to talk a little bit about right tech. So, um I we did start our well, we tried to start teacher negotiations there, but not really enough schools have settled. So we we b up bumped it out. So we'll be discussing it again here >> because you base it off. >> We do we do like the average um we take away the top and the bottom and then average the rest basically. Um so uh started that process. So I'll keep you updated on that. Um and then as they did the HOSA uh which is the future health professionals the leadership conference and
066I just wanted to give a kind of a shout out. We had Big Lake had a big like we had some kids really show up. Um so Leila I'm gonna probably totally destroy these names so I'm sorry in advance but Leila Erie um first place in occupational therapy, fifth place in nursing assistant. Ellie Shriner second place in home health aid. Um Bar is it Barana Cooper? I say that right Barona. Thank you. Cooper um seventh place in medical spelling and seventh place place in occupational therapy. Um 25 of the 28 students passed their CNA test. So that was really a really good um outcome. And then also just wanted to mention too um all 10 students that are currently enrolled in like in their program. That kind of mimics like of the sandbox um passed
067the Ramsy test. So that's the what's required to become a 49er. So just some really good outcomes for right tech last month. >> Any other committees? >> Uh we do not have student represent. Oh, you >> I got the report. She sent it to me. >> She's probably at play practice. >> She is at play practice. Yeah. She apologizes she couldn't make it here and she was going to maybe run over here, but I said, "You know what? No worries. >> I I will not do it justice, but I will read it and I will do the best I can to kind of represent what Alexis brings. >> The same level of energy. >> Oh, I that's so hard. You know how old I am, Derek? >> Oh my goodness. Well, yeah, but like six
068months." Uh, okay. School activities for April. Project Prom. Project Prom aims to provide free formal wear options to teens in need so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the best of prom. That's an awesome thing that they do. Prom committee, thank you. Working hard to produce a beautiful grand march and prom experience, a new raffle with registration and have been working so hard and I understand we are back. We are back up to about 250. We're almost at 300. And and as you recall in previous years we were down to like 50 something like that. So we are almost up to 300 in participation. Now we're talking prom. That's good. That's good. So uh SCSU math competition student had the opportunity to attend SCSU math competition. It was such a fun opportunity to participate
069and see all the STEM opportunities SCSU offers. Overall an amazing experience. Sound of Music. students, cast, crew, staff, and parents have put in so much time to make this musical a success. I hope to see you there. Show dates, Friday, April 24th at 7:00, Saturday 25th at 7, and Sunday the 26th at 2. The performances will take place at the auditorium. So, I'm super excited to watch that. It's one of my favorite musicals, and it is a classic. So, uh, be pretty cool. uh grant award at Big Lake High School is excited to highlight a recent collaboration supporting hands-on learning in our career and technical education program. Technology teacher and work-based learning center learning coordinator Matt Vogle recently secured a grant from uh resource training and solutions to purchase a new iron worker machine and
070end of the year wrap-up for 679 Spud Inc. Robotics who were here this evening. They didn't even say this um that they won. Did they say that? I don't know if they said that what place they got. Did they? >> They had it sitting with it, right? >> Did they? It was uh the Big Lake Robotics team recently ended their competition season on a high note, placing fifth out of 51 teams at the Granite City Regional held April 8th through the 10th in St. Cloud. That was really I was able to go to it last year. That's a big deal. That's They did great. So proud of what they do. I just get so excited because you could just see the excitement and uh competition days, the intensity is awesome. So it's just really neat
071to see, right? >> It's It's very neat to see. It is very neat. >> They um the Granite City Regional um >> they give us uh as board members an invite every year and superintendent um I believe and principles got an invite as well. I highly recommend um next year if anyone can go they give like a VIP kind of experience. Um, so I was able to attend that this year and it was great because they had student representatives from several teams that came and talked to the the um the group about what they've taken away from robotics. And one of the things that I loved the most was the student that said I actually realized I don't want to be an engineer, you [laughter] know, which is which is wonderful. Like that's such a
072great thing, you know. And she said, I love this program. She goes, but I that is not my fit. And so she goes, "It's been really impactful for me because I've been able to kind of shift um which I just thought was a was a great takeaway." But um you know uh even on our own team uh >> students that >> just a year and a half ago barely would make eye contact or talk um are up here presenting today. So it's a really um it's it's a been a fun program to watch. Bro, >> they did. Yes, absolutely. That's neat stuff. Um, and the good news continues because uh also we had a Big Lake student artist bring home best in show. The Big Lake High School submitted eight artworks to the Paramount Center
073for the Arts uh jured exhibition and uh competition. In total, only 10 awards were presented and the Big Lake High School senior Cameron Lundy took best of show. So, that's a big deal at the uh Paramount Center. So, super cool. Arts are rocking and rolling. That's fantastic. Um, Hornets helping Hornets during National Volunteer Month. Uh, the high school epic and YDIS members recently joined forces to prepare for backpack buddies, which is always a great program. And we are also celebrating administrative assistant day today as well as school office professionals this week. So, it's uh been an active week. So, and that completes her report. >> I think now it's your turn. >> Yes. And I do have I do have a few things. Now, we need to follow all those things. So, uh, well, another
074exciting news here. It's that time of year, folks. We have graduation and you are all invited. So, I want to just get this on your calendar plenty in advance. It's, uh, May May 29th at 7:30. It's up at the high school. I'm going to send you more information about, uh, when and where you need to meet and whatnot. And usually get a parking pass of some sort as well because it's an action-packed evening. >> Inside, I guess. >> It's inside. Yes. So, we should be good to go. Um, also, uh, next month, uh, just letting you know that we will have with the proposed additional revenue, uh, we will be having a credit card hearing. Whenever we increase that, we have to have a hearing. So, to start the meeting next month, we will have
075what's, uh, we will explain the increases and then we will offer the opportunity for anybody to speak that would like to and then we'll jump right into a regular meeting. So, I just kind of want to let you know that's what's happening next month. Um, middle school service learning. The members of the local Lions Club were at the middle school today to conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony for the next Trex bench. So, I don't know if you knew about this where they were collecting plastic bags. I don't know about you, but I've always got way too many plastic bags in my home. But, but get this. They presented it to the entire sixth grade class, all of whom participated in collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic during the year as a part of a service learning
076allied course. So when you think about that, 1,000 pounds of like plastic bags. Earlier this year, a group of sixth grade students met with alliance to form a school community partnership and today culminated that partnership. Um, and I know we'll have some uh pictures and photos for the website. So it's really neat. Uh, great activity. So, a thousand pounds though. That just boggles my mind. On to my favorite part of my report. Um, I'm going to acknowledge some from from some from around the district. I want to first of all the, uh, young lady over there, Heather Huta, uh, for her amazing piano playing to kick off the evening. Fantastic music crew. It was great. She did a fantastic job. Also want to acknowledge, I know I mentioned it during my uh, weekly updates to
077the board. I attended a safety conference last week. It was put on by Homeland Security and um uh the safety uh uh association from the state and John who is not here this evening and John weekly uh Jeremy Schmidt as well as Eric Olsen from uh Monaceel and myself presented a breakout session and it was the last breakout of the entire conference. It was one of the last there was like a handful and we actually had a full room and I was like wow that's pretty good. People held on pretty tight. So, but our main emphasis for the presentation had to do around safety obviously, but a few years ago we collaborated uh utilizing our grant writer um that we shared um and we wrote a grant uh for new cameras for security. And the
078whole point of the presentation was is that oftentimes some of the expenses and there's insurmountable hurdles, but if you collaborate and work with neighbors from a regional perspective or other entities that way, you oftenimes can find solutions. That was that was the whole premise behind the presentation. So, it was really neat and it was kind of fun to present with a couple other superintendents, too. And John Weekly did a great job. And of course, John was in charge of all the techie talk because we were not going to attempt to even know what we're talking about when it comes to the whatever style computer whatever. Uh, but he he uh he knew all the stuff and he can talk it. So, it was great and he presented that and we answer questions and it was
079really a good presentation. And last but absolutely not least, I want to give a uh big thank you as uh was written Alexis in her report. Today is administration assistant day and we have a really critical one in the room right now. [laughter] So I want to give a round of applause for Kim. [applause] She loves this attention, right? >> But I do want to say thank you. I'm going to tell you she is a tenacious worker. uh rarely ever says no to any task and she is just so kind and works with all of you as well as many of you all in the crowd. She does a fantastic job. So, thank you so much for what you do. You matter. So, thank you for doing that. So, on to some calendar things. I
080know I mentioned that we've got staff with Ashley tomorrow. Um I'll be attending Friday. Sorry. Yes, I'm still on Thursday. Tomorrow, that's a that's like a year removed. >> Um so, I'll be attending virtually for that one. uh high school musical dates uh April 24th through the 26th. Governing board uh for uh uh for the special ed co-op on the 30th at 5 o'clock. >> We do here. Yep. And we and it'll be in the community room. And we do have a work session now scheduled for May 6th at 6:30 and again topics around um future planning as well as some track and field conversations and things like that. Um May 12th, community education advisory committee. So that is Chelsea, >> community education. >> It's not. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> The long word. >>
081Oh, yeah. It's community education advisory committee would be Chelsea. Uh, and I'm really excited. STEM night is on for May 13th, 5 to 7. Also on May 13th, policy committee at 5:30. Also on May 13th, fine arts awards night at 6:30. So, it is an action-packed evening. >> Seven. >> At 6:30. >> It was moved to seven. >> Oh, for STEM night. So, after STEM night, >> yes. Okay. Awesome. Thank you for that clarification, Debbie. So, I'm going to change this and I will send these out to you as well via updates. So, >> yeah. So, so that's fantastic. So, we'll be able to hopefully make those uh bounce around. It's going to be an action-packed on May 13th. Good luck finding a parking spot. >> It's going to be busy. >> Yes. Uh that's
082great. Love to see it. Uh May 18th, end of year celebration. Stephanie, do we know the times of that one? 3:30 to 5 at the Lupalin Event Center place. Fantastic. All are welcome. May 20th, district curriculum advisory committee at 5. May 20th, regular board meeting at 6. May 27th, senior's last day. May 28th, all students last day. And yes, May 29th, graduation. >> I know [laughter] those of you that have seniors, it is quickly approaching. So, it's neat. >> It's a It's a neat time neat time of year. It's what we all work for is that day. So, um yes, >> that completes my report. Unless, of course, there are act questions. >> Any questions? >> Uh the hearing before the >> Yes. >> board meeting is that we're starting at the regular time though.
083We're not >> correct. I think we will post for it to be at six o'clock and then follow following a regular meeting will just start whenever the hearing ends. >> I I I don't know that there'll be anyone here but >> No, I just wanted to make sure because I know like with the um truth and taxation, you know, we normally well I guess we're six now, but you know, we normally would start early when there's a public hearing. So I just wanted to clarify that we're starting the same time. >> Same time. Anything else? I will make a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Second. Second by 6. Any other discussion? All in favor? >> I oppose. This meeting is adjourned.